Pallet Jacks

Manual pallet jacks are appropriate for operations moving up to 20 to 30 pallets per shift on flat surfaces, where the physical demand of pumping and steering is manageable without operator fatigue. Electric pallet jacks are worth the additional investment for operations with higher pallet throughput, frequent long-distance pallet movement, or environments where manual pumping ergonomics are a worker safety concern.

Standard pallet jacks with 5,500-pound capacity and 48x27-inch forks handle the most common pallet loads across warehouse, distribution, and retail receiving applications. Low-profile jacks are necessary for pallets staged on dock plates and low platforms where standard jack clearance is insufficient. Verify the fork entry clearance of your pallets before specifying fork height.

Regular hydraulic oil checks and seal inspections prevent the slow leaks that cause pallet jacks to sink under load, creating a safety hazard and equipment reliability issue. Wheel replacement on heavily used jacks prevents the squeaking and steering problems that indicate worn polyurethane wheels. A simple maintenance schedule can extend pallet jack service life from two years to five or more in high-use environments.